After heart attack scare, USF assistant Hendrick returns

TAMPA — Nearly seven weeks after he suffered a heart attack after a personal workout, USF defensive line coach John Hendrick had his first full day back on the job Monday, reminded of how much he missed football.

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"That saying that you don't miss your water 'til your well runs dry is very appropriate," the 48-year-old said after Monday's second practice. "My well was dry for quite a while. I'm just happy to be back. I feel really blessed and fortunate to be able to continue doing what I love to do so much."

Hendrick, who returned to the team for a walkthrough practice Sunday afternoon, said he'll need some time to adjust to the rigors of coaching. Doctors hadn't allowed him to spend significant time outside in the heat, and he said he'll be especially careful to stay hydrated and not overwork himself at practice.

"I'm feeling my way," he said. "I was a little bit more frenetic this afternoon than I was this morning. I feel good. I really do."

Walter Camp candidates

Five players from state schools were among 35 named to the Walter Camp player of the year watch list: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and receiver Percy Harvin, USF defensive end George Selvie, UCF defensive back Joe Burnett and FAU quarterback Rusty Smith.

The list will be narrowed to 15 in November, with the winner announced in December.

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State's depth at tailback is expected to be a strength, but uncertainty surrounds the position early in camp.

Freshman Jermaine Thomas, who was not at Saturday's scrimmage, missed Monday's practice. It's not clear when Thomas, praised by offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher during the first week of practice, will rejoin the team.

"There is a little glitch in there," coach Bobby Bowden said. "I feel like it's going to work out okay."

Junior college transfer Tavares Pressley, expected to challenge starter Antone Smith for playing time, remains ineligible due to academic issues. Smith suffered a thigh contusion and left Monday's practice early, and freshman Carlton Jones of Middleton suffered a hip pointer.

Adding to the uncertainty, tailbacks Preston Parker and Marcus Sims are suspended to open the season.

CHANGING PLACES: With Hillsborough High product Moses McCray (hip flexor) not at full speed, freshman DE Everett Dawkins has moved to DT. "We need some help in there," Bowden said. "He didn't look bad." Emmanuel Dunbar and Kendrick Stewart are the only scholarship players available at DT the first three games due to suspensions.

UF: Planning for opener

GAINESVILLE — The Gators plan to conduct a Hawaii scrimmage today, with the second-string offense and defense helping prepare the starters for what they'll face in the opener Aug. 30. It is unclear how Tropical Storm Fay will affect Gainesville, but coach Urban Meyer is prepared to work around the weather as needed.

Freshman defensive end Omar Hunter returned to practice after a back injury limited him in most practices during fall camp.

MARYLAND: Jordan Steffy was picked to start at quarterback in the opener against Delaware.

USC: Starting quarterback Mark Sanchez, who dislocated his left kneecap Aug. 8, hopes to be ready for the opener at Virginia on Aug. 30. "I'm optimistic about it, we're ahead of schedule," Sanchez said after throwing passes and jogging Monday. "Everything felt good. If it were up to me, I'm playing. (But) I want to be ready for the whole season. It's a marathon, not a sprint."

Virginia Tech: Receiver Zach Luckett was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policy.

Basketball

OBITUARY: Glen Anderson, the third-winningest coach in Iowa State history, died Friday at 79 at his home in Hot Springs, Ark. He was 142-161 from 1959 to 1971.

VIRGINIA: Laurynas Mikalauskas is no longer a member of the team because he has not lived up to program standards, coach Dave Leitao said. Mikalauskas averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds last season.

Times correspondents Scott Carter and Phil Kegler contributed to this report, which used information from Times wires.